Chaplains Corner

Paul's latest programme column...

Our match against Potters Bar Town is our first in this season’s FA Cup; sponsored by Emirates. The competition is often described as “The Road to Wembley”, but it is very unlikely that either ourselves, or our opponents are going to complete the journey.

The elite teams of Europe have also embarked on a journey, that this season will end in Kiev in May. Many thousands of miles will be covered not only by the players and officials, but by hordes of loyal fans who will travel to support their team in hope that they will land the coveted Champions League.

These fans must be totally committed to the cause as the cost in time and money is not for the casual supporter. For some, it is a real adventure and an opportunity to visit places that you might otherwise not travel to. I can’t say that Qarabag in Azerbaijan in high on my list of destinations to visit!!

A colleague, who will probably read this article, so I will have to be careful what I write, is a Leicester City supporter. Most of you will recall, they qualified for last season’s Champions League, which was even a shock to the most ardent of their fans. As this was likely to be a “one off” he decided to make the most of this opportunity to travel to all the away games. This not only cost him financially but he also had to take time off work. I know he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Although the supporters of H&RBFC do not have opportunity to see their team in Madrid or Paris, they can see them in such wonderful locations as Thurrock and Dartford!! The fans who travel to many of the away games are equally, if not more dedicated than the followers of Europe’s elite.

For example, many hardy souls who recently travelled to Evesham to see us take on Gloucester City on a Monday evening, would have had to take time off work. Then there would have been the cost of travel and a bite to eat. Some football fans will do anything to follow their team.

When Jesus called His first disciples, He asked them to give up the security of their day jobs and follow Him wherever He went, which they did. During the three years of His ministry people travelled for miles, often over rough terrain, to see and meet Him.

One group of lads even carried their paralysed friend on a stretcher to the house where Jesus was,- and lowered him through a hole in the roof. They wanted Jesus to heal their friend as he had done for many other people.

If you had the chance to meet The Son of God, how far would you be prepared to go? The good news is you don’t have to go to Qarabag, because Jesus will meet you right where you are, if you want Him to.